Videy Island
Videy Island
4.5
About
Viðey Island - Peace, beauty, history An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore. The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time. From nesting birds and panoramic views to Yoko Ono's famous 'Imagine Peace Tower' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones', you'll discover an oasis of peace, beauty and history. Close to shore, but a world away. Daily sailing during the summer but only on weekends during the wintertime. Viðey is part of Reykjavík City Museum: One museum in five unique places.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
433 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
135
Average
43
Poor
9
Terrible
12
lonewolf44
Kingston upon Thames, UK1,303 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
A ferry from either the old or new harbour gets you to Videy in minutes. Until 1941 there was a vibrant little community living and working here, helping supply Reykjavik with milk and eggs and with a lucrative fishing industry. Now no one lives on Videy permanently but traces of its hey day remain. The first things you see as you pull in to the harbour are the little church and the larger old stone house (now a restaurant). It takes longer than you might expect to walk round the island on foot but go east and you will find the old school house and the foundations of houses in the village and remains of the docks. Go west and you will find the site of Yoko Ono's peace memorial and the isthmus connecting to the smaller Western island. There are great views to be had across to Reykjavik too.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany R
Henderson, MN98 contributions
Aug 2022
We took the 5 minute ferry from Skarfabakki (is a 20 minute ride from the Old Harbor). We basically hiked around the east side of the island, had a picnic, saw the Peace Tower and took the ferry back. You are able to tour the old schoolhouse which was interesting and informative and also had toilets inside. It was a nice refuge from the brief rain. My children enjoyed exploring on the beach near the old school house and the small playground right as you got off the boat. The peace tower was interesting, not too glamorous and only was a 5-10 minute hike west of the main drop off. We did not visit the cafe. It was a fun way to spend a couple of hours and the history of the island was really interesting. We used the 24 hour City Card which included the ferry ride here.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunneva Líf Sigurdardottir
Reykjavik, Iceland12 contributions
Jan 2022
A fun day trip for the family or solo looking for a little escape from the city without going too far it'S only a 4ö min boat trip but as soon sd dyou dtrp foot on thr island you feel sd if your so far away from the city's bubbly noises and loudness. You step into Videy and your surronded by silent only hearing people smile birds noices and the seas sound. Nice coofee house and Fun to check out the islands pathaway! :)
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeaMariner22
Seattle, WA253 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Nice Island very close to Reykjavik although only accessible by ferry. City Pass holders can get free tickets. The ferry has frequent service from the dock near the main cruise ship port, but those wanting to ferry in from the old harbor tourist area have only two times. The main attraction of the island is Yoko One’s Imagine Peace Tower which is a short walk from the Ferry Dock.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,018 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This is a very nice place to spend a couple of hours on a sunny summer day. That's what we had when we visited, and it was very pleasant. The short ferry ride is fun, with scenic views all around. Then we followed the paths to stroll around the island. There are some old buildings to visit (like a school house), some artwork to enjoy, and even a John Lennon tribute (which is an illuminated spotlight into the sky).
When we were there, I guess it was nesting season for the seagulls. Our path led us directly through their nesting area, resulting in a lot of frenzied noise and dive-bombing. But we got through without incident and continued our stroll elsewhere on the island.
When we were there, I guess it was nesting season for the seagulls. Our path led us directly through their nesting area, resulting in a lot of frenzied noise and dive-bombing. But we got through without incident and continued our stroll elsewhere on the island.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnh96813
Honolulu, HI55 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We entered Reykjavik by cruise boat and had a few hours to wait before our excursion. We passed the island on the way into port and the ferry landing was close to the cruise port so we thought it might be a nice way to spend an hour or 2. As others have said, the ferry ride is only a few minutes on a quaint ferry boat. The Imagine Peace memorial was a short walk from the ferry landing and interesting to see. Other than the memorial, though, there are no other sights compelling to visit. The view of Reykjavik from the island is nice, but not outstanding. There is one aspect of the island that turned me off - cat poop (at least that's what it appeared to me to be, but I didn't actually see any cats). It was everywhere and was difficult to avoid.
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian D
Denver, CO2,388 contributions
May 2021
The ferry ride is fun and a short trip to get to the island. This is really a must-visit site in Reykjavik. The bird watching is incredible, a real bird lover's paradise. There are birds everywhere and a huge variety of different birds all located on one island. The visit is very inexpensive and worth the price. If you enjoy bird watching, you will want to schedule 2-3 hours or more to hike around the entire island. There are clearly marked paths that guide you around the island, right up next to the birds and their nests. Don't worry, the birds will let you know when you are getting too close! Even if you aren't a big fan of birds, the hiking trails are still fun and offer some great views from the cliffs around the entire island. There are also some buildings and historical places of interest. There are nice signs all around the island letting you know what you are seeing and the history behind the sites. Fun for one or the whole family...don't miss it!
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David A
Preston, UK524 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
This is a fantastic nature reserve that you get to by ferry. We had a 2 day city card that included this trip. You do need to check ferry times as their website wasn’t overly accurate. The island has an interesting history and there are many places that will explain it. There is an art installation as well as the natural wildlife. Paths are marked out as good, ok and a little tricky. Definitely well worth a visit.
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie C
Golden, CO156 contributions
Oct 2022
A quick boat ride in a cute red ferry and you're across from downtown Reykjavik, on an island so populated with birds you're going to have poop on your shoes, no matter how carefully you tread. Despite rain and cold, we still enjoyed our walk around the island, especially the typical icelandic dark stone beach where we watched a group of seals bob up and down in the water. Totally worth it. It is a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop, and in bad weather it feels longer. A good option were the electric rental scooters. We walked and got a good soaking between the ferry and the bus stop :) so be prepared with a parka or umbrella.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alice_lenthe
West Chester, PA283 contributions
Oct 2019
A short ferry ride from downtown Reykjavik but find another world on Videy. Easy trails, terrific views of Reykjavik and beaches and ocean too. Definitely worth the time but if you do not have a car, the bus lines do not run to the ferry dock in the winter. We walked from the closest bus stop (about 15 minutes) and were glad we did. The John Lennon Peace Memorial is also there - we went back at night to see it lit (separate review).
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m looking to visit Videy Island in September 2023 but the ferry has limited running times. Is there another service to get to the island?
Written August 22, 2023
Not that I’m aware of, but there were a number of smaller boats on the water so there may be a private service available. I’m surprised that there’s limited Sevice. They ran every hour or so on an island loop when we were there.
Written August 23, 2023
Can you bring a large backpack or suitcase on the ferry or on the island? I'm planning on visiting in January and have time to go there right after I get to Iceland via the airport.
Written October 8, 2019
Hello. I will recommend not to bring a suitcase there. This is a area only for a daytrip With plenty of birds. I can recommend the cafeteria for a nice meal.
Written October 21, 2019
Hi. We are going to Reykjavík on Saturday 1st December. We understand we can’t get the ferry from the old harbour during the winter but have to go to the industrial port can anyone suggest the best way to get there from the centre of Reykjavík? Thanks
Written November 25, 2018
easiest way is to take a taxi - walking in december in reykjavik for miles - ugh!
Written January 17, 2019
Do you need a car to get around after you land in the island? Thanks!
Written July 16, 2017
No. There are no cars AT ALL. Which makes the island really peaceful.There are very clearly marked walking paths. It is a bit windy so make sure to bring hat/ear protection.
Written July 18, 2017
Hi! We're visiting Reykjavik next week - where can we get the ferry to Videy Island on a Wednesday or Thursday? So far I can only see weekend times but that's no good for us. Any suggestions? We really want to go! :)
Written February 1, 2017
Go to old harbor. There are a few ferries there and you can ask for their times. To be honest I don't know if there are any that go regularly during the winter.
Call or email Elding. They're located on the harbor and they take tours out there. They can possibly let you know about the regular ferry.
Written February 5, 2017
Can anyone give more information about the ferry (ferries...are there more than one?) that will take us to Videy Island? Where, exactly,do we catch the ferry? We would enjoy a longer ferry trip so it sounds like catching it from the Harpa opera house might be an option. When reading the reviews we also read that someone had to walk three miles upon their return as there were no buses? Any information about getting to and from the island would be great.(We can find plenty of info about what to do once you get to the island). Thanks!!
Written September 9, 2016
There are two spots to get a ferry to Videy. One is at the old harbour, right in the city centre and another one next to the industrial port that is very near to the island. So probably if you get the ferry at the old harbour and back, you won't have to walk so much! But if you like to stroll, you can walk 3 km by Reykjavik waterfront which is very nice!
Written September 13, 2016
What is the cost of the ferry to the island and how often do they run during the summer
Written July 19, 2016
The web site is borgarsogusafn.is/en/videy-island. During the summer the ferry starts at 10:15 AM with the last sailing from Viðey Island at 6:30 PM. Children six and under are free. Children 7 - 15 are 550 ISK. Adults are 1,200 ISK. Ages 70+ and disabled are 1, 500 ISK. We paid US $19.69 for two adults.
Written July 19, 2016
Videy island in mid December during the day? Yes or no? Have one half day not yet planned... 5 days in Iceland. Cold/snow not an issue as we are Minnesotans! Thanks!
Written November 9, 2015
Hello, I'm going to Iceland on July/5-14 for my birthday. I will go to the Videy Island first ( Such good idea). As my flight arrive at 8:05 am on 7/6. Any suggestion for the good tour company to join the Volcanoes & Glacier for the hiking. Whale watch, Jeep tour on the glacier? I has book to stay at Reykjavik for three night first. Then, try to fly to another city without driver ( I don't drive). But I can find the hotel at Akureyri. So, which city I should go after Reykjavik? I appreciate all your time and the information. Thank you very much.
Written April 20, 2015
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